Statement following the announcement of the death of Stanislaw Skrowaczewski

22nd February 2017

“The musicians and management of the Hallé are deeply saddened to hear of the death of our friend Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, who has died at the age of 93.

‘Stan’ to almost everyone in the music world, was an extraordinary figure, gentle yet determined and popular with both orchestras and audiences.

He was the Hallé’s Principal Conductor from 1984 to 1991, performing with the Orchestra in Manchester and throughout the UK, as well as on tours in Europe, South America and the United States. After he retired as Principal Conductor he continued to be a most welcome Guest Conductor, visiting the orchestra every two years, his last appearance being in 2014.

He was as gifted a composer as he was a conductor, writing his first symphonic work at seven. He studied with Nadia Boulanger and co-founded the avant-garde Groupe Zodiaque. Stan was no less accomplished as a pianist, performing Beethoven’s Third Piano Concerto at thirteen; his career as a soloist only arrested by a hand injury sustained during the Second World War.

Stan had remarkable insight into the work of many composers, none more so than Bruckner. The Hallé will celebrate Stan’s life during our concert on Thursday 4 May.

Stanislaw Skrowaczewski will be remembered for many memorable performances in Manchester both in the Free Trade Hall and The Bridgewater Hall and for his indomitable spirit and good humour.

Our thoughts are with his family and his many friends across the world.”

John Summers, Chief Executive, the Hallé.

(Image credit: Toshiyuki Urano)

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